Service status display on a handheld communication device

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention described herein relates to a handheld communication device that is capable of communicating with different communication services.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern handheld communication devices are configured with multiple wireless transceivers which provide the device with multiple wireless communication modes. For instance, a handheld communication device could be configured for voice communication over a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) network, and data communication with Bluetooth peripheral devices. A handheld computing device could be configured for data communication over both a General Packet Radio Service/Enhanced Data rates for GSM Evolution (GPRS/EDGE) network and a local WiFi (IEEE 802.11x) network.

Configuring a single communication device to communicate with different communication services obviously enhances the versatility of the device. However, this enhanced versatility can be problematic since the user often has limited control over the communication services that are available at any given time. As a result, the user might expect the device to be communicating over a free WiFi network, when, in fact, the device is actually communicating over a billable GSM network. Similarly, the user might expect the device to be communicating over a high-speed short-range WiFi network, when, in fact, the device has moved out of range of the WiFi network and is actually communicating over a low-speed long-range GPRS/EDGE network.

Shi (US 2004/0203674) describes a wireless communication device that displays detailed information concerning voice and data calls that are in progress. The detailed information includes caller name, caller number, duration, data rate, connection status, and service type. The detailed information is only available when the call is active.

Ghirhikar (U.S. Pat. No. 6,216,001) describes a wireless communication device that is configured to indicate the current service mode to a user of the device. The service modes contemplated are (1) storing service mode in which new messages destined for the device are not received by the device; (2) basic service mode in which the new messages are received by the device; and (3) full service mode in which both new and stored messages are received by the device. The device measures signal quality on forward and reverse traffic channels to transition between the service modes.

Awan (U.S. Pat. No. 6,438,390) describes a cellular telephone that has a LED controller, and a multi-coloured status LED. The LED controller controls the sequence of flashes and the flash colour of the LED to indicate the status of the device. Possible status indicators include no service, in-service, roaming and message waiting.

Gorsuch (U.S. Pat. No. 7,024,222) describes a wireless communication device that automatically connects to a short-range, high-speed wireless (IEEE 802.11) LAN when such a connection is available, and automatically switches to a long-range, lower speed wireless (CDMA) LAN when the device is out of range of the high-speed LAN. LAN detection is performed either by (1) passively detecting the presence of a beacon signal or (2) transmitting a probe request message and receiving a response indicating the presence of the LAN. LAN switching is performed without notification to the user.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic diagram depicting a communications network, including a handheld communications device according to the invention;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref> is a front plan view of the handheld communications device depicted in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref> is a schematic diagram depicting certain functional details of the data processing means of the handheld communications device, including the service authorization procedure, and the communication mode indicating procedure;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> is a schematic diagram depicting certain additional functional details of the handheld communications device;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart depicting, by way of overview, the method performed by the handheld communications device when providing a user-indication of communication services that are available to the handheld communication device;

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> (comprising <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 6</figref><i>a </i>to <b>6</b><i>b</i>) is a flow chart depicting, in detail, the method performed by the handheld communications device when providing the user-indication of available communication services; and

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIGS. 7</figref><i>a </i>and <b>7</b><i>b </i>are screenshots that depict sample user-indications of available communication services and communication modes.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

According to the invention described herein, a handheld communication device determines the communication services that are available to the communication device without opening a traffic channel with a provider of the communication services, and provides an indication of the available communication services to a user of the communication device.

In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a method of providing a user-indication of communication service that are available to a handheld communication device. The method, according to this first aspect of the invention, begins by receiving, at the handheld communication device, a service indication of one of a plurality of communication services, via one of a plurality of wireless communication modes, to the communication device. The handheld communication device receives the service indication from a provider of the one communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the one wireless communication mode. The communication device then provides a user-indication of the communication service availabilities in accordance with the received service indication.

In accordance with a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a wireless communications device that is configured to provide a user-indication of communication services that are available to the communication device. The wireless communications device, according to this second aspect of the invention, comprises service authorization means, and communication mode indicating means in communication with the service authorization means.

The service authorization means is configured receive a service indication of an availability of one of a plurality of communication services, via one of a plurality of wireless communication modes, to the communication device. The communication device receives the service indication from a provider of the one communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the one wireless communication mode. The communication mode indicating means is configured to provide a user-indication of the communication service availabilities in accordance with the received service indication.

In accordance with a third aspect of the invention, there is provided a computer readable medium that carries processing instructions for an electronic communications device. The processing instructions, when executed by a computer processor of the communications device, enables the device to provide a user-indication of communication services that are available to the communication device.

The method, according to this third aspect of the invention, begins by receiving, at the communication device, a service indication of an availability of one of a plurality of communication services, via one of a plurality of wireless communication modes, to the communication device. The communication device receives the service indication from a provider of the one communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the one wireless communication mode. The communication device then provides a user-indication of the communication service availabilities in accordance with the received service indication.

In a preferred implementation, the communication service is available to the communication device via the communication mode, and the user-indication comprises a user-indication of the communication mode for the available communication service. Preferably, the communication device is configured to receive a plurality of the communication services, and to communication over a plurality of the communication modes, and the communication mode user-indication comprises a graphical information screen depicting a table specifying the communication mode over which each communication service is available to the communication device.

Also, in the preferred implementation, the available communication modes comprise a high-speed short-range communication protocol, and a low-speed long-range communication protocol, and the communication services comprise data communication services and/or voice telephony services.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref> is a schematic view of a communications network, denoted generally as <b>100</b>. The communications network <b>100</b> is shown comprising at least one wireless communications device <b>200</b>, and a wireless communications network and a wired communications network both in communication with the wireless communications devices <b>200</b>. The wireless communications network comprises a primary wireless network <b>219</b> and a secondary wireless network <b>221</b>. In the embodiment shown, the primary wireless network comprises a long-range cellular network, and the secondary wireless network comprises a short range local area wireless network. However, the wireless communications network is not limited to any particular number or configuration of wireless networks. For instance, the primary and secondary wireless networks <b>219</b>, <b>221</b> may both comprise long-range cellular networks, or short range wireless networks. Further, the wireless communications network may comprises a plurality of long-range cellular networks and/or a plurality of short range wireless networks.

As shown, the long-range wireless cellular network <b>219</b> comprises a plurality of remote base station subsystems (BSSs) <b>400</b>, and a core network <b>500</b> in communication with the BSSs <b>400</b>. The short-range local area network <b>221</b> comprises at least one local wireless node <b>600</b>. The wired communications network comprises at least one e-mail service <b>800</b>, at least one web server <b>900</b>, and a fixed network <b>700</b> in communication with the long-range wireless cellular network <b>219</b>, the short-range local area network <b>221</b>, the e-mail services <b>800</b> and the web servers <b>900</b>.

The BSSs <b>400</b> of the long-range wireless cellular network <b>219</b> communicate with the core network <b>500</b> via a wired or optical link, and provide a bridge between the wireless communications devices <b>200</b> and the core network <b>500</b>.

As shown, each BSS <b>400</b> includes a Base Station Controller (BSC) <b>402</b> and a plurality of Base Transceiver Stations (BTSs) <b>404</b>. Each BTS <b>404</b> includes one or more radio transceivers, the coverage area of each defining a long-range radio system cell. Preferably, the BTSs <b>404</b> are configured to communicate with the wireless communications devices <b>200</b> over the radio system cells via a long-range wireless communications protocol, such as GSM and/or Code Division Multiple Access (CDMA). However, the BSSs <b>404</b> may implement other long-range communication protocols.

Each BTS <b>404</b> is connected to the BSC <b>402</b> via a wired or optical link. The BSC <b>402</b> acts as a physical connection between the handheld communications device <b>200</b> and the core network <b>500</b>.

Preferably, the core network <b>500</b> facilitates digital communication between the handheld communications devices <b>200</b> and the fixed network <b>700</b>. Preferably, the core network <b>500</b> implements data (e.g. GPRS/EDGE) and/or telephony communications protocols. The core network <b>500</b> communicates with the fixed network <b>700</b> via a wired or optical link, and acts as switching node to the fixed network <b>700</b>. Typically, the fixed network <b>700</b> comprises a Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) or an Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN).

The local wireless node <b>600</b> of the short-range wireless local area network <b>221</b> communicates with the fixed network <b>700</b> via a wired or optical link, and provides a bridge between the local wireless communications devices <b>200</b> and the fixed network <b>700</b>. As shown, the local wireless node <b>600</b> includes a wireless base station <b>602</b>, and a local base station controller <b>604</b> coupled to the wireless base station <b>602</b>.

The base station <b>602</b> includes one or more radio transceivers, the coverage area of each defining a local area cell. Preferably, the base station <b>602</b> communicates with the local wireless communications devices <b>200</b> over the local area cell via a short-range wireless communications protocol, such as IEEE 802.11x and/or Bluetooth. However, the wireless base station <b>602</b> may implement other short-range wireless communications protocols.

The base station <b>602</b> is connected to the local base station controller <b>604</b> via a wired or optical link. The local base station controller <b>604</b> acts as a physical connection between the handheld communications device <b>200</b> and the fixed network <b>700</b>, and facilitates digital communication between the handheld communications devices <b>200</b> and the fixed network <b>700</b>. The local base station controller <b>604</b> communicates with the fixed network <b>700</b> via a wired or optical link.

The local wireless node <b>600</b> may be implemented within a private institution, in which case the local base station controller <b>604</b> provides restricted access to the fixed network <b>700</b> to only wireless communications devices <b>200</b> that are registered users of the local wireless node <b>600</b>. Alternately, the local wireless node <b>600</b> may be implemented at public site, in which case the local base station controller <b>604</b> provides unrestricted access to the fixed network <b>700</b>.

Each e-mail service <b>800</b> comprises an e-mail server <b>802</b> and an authorization database <b>804</b> in communication with the e-mail server <b>802</b>, and provides e-mail services for the handheld communications devices <b>200</b>. The e-mail server <b>802</b> maintains an e-mail account for each registered user of the e-mail service <b>800</b>, including the e-mail messages that are sent from and received in each e-mail account. Typically, the e-mail server <b>802</b> comprises a Microsoft Outlook Exchange Server, Novell Groupwise Server or other e-mail server solution, configured with a Blackberry Enterprise Server option.

The authorization database <b>804</b> includes authorization records for each e-mail account. Typically, the authorization records comprise unique Personal Identification Number (PIN) entries which identify the handheld communications device <b>200</b> associated with each e-mail account, and encryption keys which the e-mail server <b>802</b> uses for the encrypted delivery of e-mail messages between the e-mail server <b>802</b> and the handheld communications devices <b>200</b>.

Each web server <b>900</b> implements a web site having content for rendering on the handheld communications devices <b>200</b>. Preferably, the web server <b>900</b> provides the handheld communications devices <b>200</b> with web pages that have limited content. Alternately, or additionally, the web server may serve web pages that are written in WML (Wireless Markup Language).

Referring now to <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 2</figref>, there is shown a sample handheld communications device <b>200</b> in accordance with the invention. Preferably, the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is a two-way wireless communications device having at least voice and data communication capabilities, and is configured to operate within the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> and/or the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. Further, preferably the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has the capability to communicate with other computer services that are available via the Internet, such as the e-mail service <b>800</b> and the web server <b>900</b>. Depending on the exact functionality provided, the wireless handheld communications device <b>200</b> may be referred to as a data messaging device, a two-way pager, a wireless e-mail device, a cellular telephone with data messaging capabilities, a wireless Internet appliance, or a data communication device, as examples.

As shown, the handheld communications device <b>200</b> includes a display <b>222</b>, a function key <b>246</b>, and data processing means <b>202</b> (not shown) disposed within a common housing <b>201</b>. The display <b>222</b> comprises a backlit LCD display. The data processing means <b>202</b> is in communication with the display <b>222</b> and the function key <b>246</b>. In one implementation, the backlit display <b>222</b> comprises a transmissive LCD display, and the function key <b>246</b> operates as a power on/off switch. Alternately, in another implementation, the backlit display <b>222</b> comprises a reflective or trans-reflective LCD display, and the function key <b>246</b> operates as a backlight switch.

In addition to the display <b>222</b> and the function key <b>246</b>, the handheld communications device <b>200</b> includes user data input means for inputting data to the data processing means <b>202</b>. As shown, preferably the user data input means includes a keyboard <b>232</b>, a thumbwheel <b>248</b> and an escape key <b>260</b>. The keyboard <b>232</b> includes alphabetic and numerical keys, and preferably also includes a “Send” key and an “End” key to respectively initiate and terminate voice communication. However, the data input means is not limited to these forms of data input. For instance, the data input means may include a trackball or other pointing device instead of (or in addition to) the thumbwheel <b>248</b>.

Further, preferably the handheld communications device <b>200</b> includes a LED (not shown) and vibrator (not shown) that are coupled to the data processing means <b>202</b> and respectively provide a visual and tactile notification of an notification event to the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. Possible notification events suitable for notification by the LED and/or vibrator include a user notification of an incoming e-mail message, text message and/or a telephone call. Further, as will be discussed below, another possible notification event suitable for notification by the LED and/or vibrator is a notification that one or more wireless communication modes are available and/or have become unavailable to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

As shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 3</figref>, the data processing means <b>202</b> comprises a microprocessor <b>238</b> in communication with flash memory <b>224</b> and volatile memory (RAM) <b>226</b>. The flash memory <b>224</b> includes computer processing instructions which, when executed by the microprocessor <b>238</b>, implement an operating system, computer programs, and operating system specific applications. The operating system includes an Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) communication protocol stack that allows the handheld communications device <b>200</b> to send and receive communication signals over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> and the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. Alternately, the computer processing instructions may be copied from the flash memory <b>224</b> into the RAM <b>226</b> upon system reset or power-up, and executed by the microprocessor <b>238</b> out of the RAM <b>226</b>.

The communication protocol stack of the operating system includes a communication mode determination procedure <b>302</b>, a service authorization procedure <b>304</b>, and a communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b>. The functions of the communication mode determination procedure <b>302</b>, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b>, and communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> will be discussed in greater detail below. However, it is sufficient at this point to note that the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> is in communication with the communication mode determination procedure <b>302</b> and the service authorization procedure <b>304</b>, and that the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> and the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> together comprise a method that indicates the modes of wireless communication over which the communication services are available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

It should also be understood that although the communication mode determination procedure <b>302</b>, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> and communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> are preferably implemented as a set of computer processing instructions, these procedures may be implemented in electronics hardware instead.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 4</figref> depicts functional details of the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. As shown, the handheld communications device <b>200</b> incorporates a motherboard that includes a communication subsystem <b>211</b>, and the microprocessor <b>238</b>. Further, the communications device <b>200</b> also includes a SIM interface <b>244</b> if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is intended for use within a GSM network, and/or a RUIM interface <b>244</b> if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is intended for use within a CDMA network. The communication subsystem <b>211</b> performs communication functions, such as data and voice communications, and includes a primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b>, a secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b>, a primary internal antenna <b>216</b> for the primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b>, a secondary internal antenna <b>218</b> for the secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b>, and local oscillators (LOs) <b>213</b> and one or more digital signal processors (DSP) <b>220</b> coupled to the transmitter/receivers <b>212</b>, <b>214</b>.

The communication subsystem <b>211</b> sends and receives wireless communication signals over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> via the primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b> and the primary internal antenna <b>216</b>. The communication subsystem <b>211</b> also sends and receives wireless communication signals over the local area wireless network <b>221</b> via the secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b> and the secondary internal antenna <b>218</b>.

Signals received by the primary internal antenna <b>216</b> from the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> are input to the receiver section of the primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b>, which performs common receiver functions such as frequency down conversion, and analog to digital (A/D) conversion, in preparation for more complex communication functions performed by the DSP <b>220</b>. Signals to be transmitted over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> are processed by the DSP <b>220</b> and input to transmitter section of the primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b> for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, and transmission over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> via the primary internal antenna <b>216</b>.

Similarly, signals received by the secondary internal antenna <b>218</b> from the local area wireless network <b>221</b> are input to the receiver section of the secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b>, which performs common receiver functions such as frequency down conversion, and analog to digital (A/D) conversion, in preparation for more complex communication functions performed by the DSP <b>220</b>. Signals to be transmitted over the local area wireless network <b>221</b> are processed by the DSP <b>220</b> and input to transmitter section of the secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b> for digital to analog conversion, frequency up conversion, and transmission over the local area wireless network <b>221</b> via the secondary internal antenna <b>218</b>. As discussed above, the communication subsystem <b>211</b> may include more than one DSP <b>220</b>, in which case the signals transmitted and received by the secondary transmitter/receiver <b>214</b> would preferably be processed by a different DSP than the primary transmitter/receiver <b>212</b>.

The SIM/RUIM interface <b>244</b> is similar to a card-slot into which a SIM/RUIM card can be inserted and ejected like a diskette or PCMCIA card. The SIM/RUIM card holds many key configurations <b>251</b>, and other information <b>253</b> including subscriber identification information, such as the International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI) that is associated with the handheld communications device <b>200</b>, and subscriber-related information, such as the unique PIN that is assigned to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

The microprocessor <b>238</b> controls the overall operation of the device, interacting with device subsystems such as the display <b>222</b>, flash memory <b>224</b>, RAM <b>226</b>, auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems <b>228</b>, data port <b>230</b>, keyboard <b>232</b>, speaker <b>234</b>, microphone <b>236</b>, short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b>, and device subsystems <b>242</b>. The data port <b>230</b> may comprise a RS-232 port, a Universal Serial Bus (USB) port or other wired data communication port.

As shown, the flash memory <b>224</b> includes both computer program storage <b>258</b> and program data storage <b>250</b>, <b>252</b>, <b>254</b> and <b>256</b>. Computer processing instructions are preferably also stored in the flash memory <b>224</b> or other similar non-volatile storage. Other computer processing instructions may also be loaded into a volatile memory such as RAM <b>226</b>. The computer processing instructions, when accessed from the memory <b>224</b>, <b>226</b> and executed by the microprocessor <b>238</b> define the operating system, computer programs, operating system specific applications. The computer processing instructions may be installed onto the handheld communications device <b>200</b> upon manufacture, or may be loaded through the wireless network <b>219</b>, the auxiliary I/O subsystem <b>228</b>, the data port <b>230</b>, the short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b>, or the device subsystem <b>242</b>.

The operating system allows the handheld communications device <b>200</b> to operate the display <b>222</b>, the auxiliary input/output (I/O) subsystems <b>228</b>, data port <b>230</b>, keyboard <b>232</b>, speaker <b>234</b>, microphone <b>236</b>, short-range communications subsystem <b>240</b>, and device subsystems <b>242</b>. One function implemented by the operating system is to display information on the display <b>222</b>. Typically, the computer programs include communication software that configures the handheld communications device <b>200</b> to receive one or more communication services. For instance, the communication software may include internet browser, e-mail and telephone software that respectively allow the handheld communications device <b>200</b> to communicate with various computer servers over the internet, send and receive e-mail, and initiate and receive telephone calls.

In data communication mode, a received text message or web page download will be processed by the communication subsystem <b>211</b> and output to the display <b>222</b>, or alternatively to an auxiliary I/O device <b>228</b>. A user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> may compose data items such as email messages for example, using the keyboard <b>232</b>. Such composed items may then be transmitted over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> or the local area wireless network <b>221</b> through the communication subsystem <b>211</b>.

For voice communications, overall operation of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is similar, except that received signals would preferably be output to the speaker <b>234</b> and signals for transmission would be generated by a microphone <b>236</b>. Further, the display <b>222</b> may provide an indication of the identity of a calling party, the duration of a voice call, or other voice call related information for example.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 5</figref> is a flow chart that depicts, by way of overview, the method implemented in the handheld communications device <b>200</b> for indicating the communication services that are available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. The communication device <b>200</b> is configured to receive wireless communication services via at least one mode of wireless communication.

At step S<b>100</b>, the handheld communications device <b>200</b> receives a service indication concerning the communication service(s) that is/are available to the handheld communication device <b>200</b> via the wireless communication mode(s) that are available to the handheld communication device <b>200</b>. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the communication services comprise the e-mail service <b>800</b> and the web server <b>900</b>. However, the invention is not limited to any particular services. For instance, in one variation, the communications network <b>100</b> includes a telephony service, a text messaging service, a virtual private network (VPN) service, and a global positioning system (GPS)-mapping service. Other quantities and complements of communication services fall within the scope of the invention.

The handheld communication device <b>200</b> receives the service indication from a provider of the communication service via a wireless non-traffic channel of the wireless communication mode. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> comprises one mode of wireless communication, and the local area wireless network <b>221</b> comprises another mode of wireless communication. However, the invention is not so limited. For instance, in one variation, the communications network <b>100</b> includes a plurality of non-overlapping local area wireless networks <b>221</b>, in which case each local area wireless network <b>221</b> comprises a distinct mode of wireless communication.

Based on the service indications that are received by the communication device <b>200</b>, at step S<b>102</b> the communication device <b>200</b> provides a user-indication of the available communication services based on the received service indication. Typically, the communication device <b>200</b> provides a visual indication of the available communication services via the display <b>222</b>.

Alternately, or additionally, the LED may be flashed at one rate, and/or with one colour, when the communication device <b>200</b> roams into a geographic region that offers a communication mode that was unavailable to the communication device <b>200</b> in a prior geographic region. The LED may be flashed at a different rate, and/or with a different colour, when the communication device <b>200</b> roams into a geographic region that does not offer a communication mode that was available to the communication device <b>200</b> in a prior geographic region.

Further, the communication device <b>200</b> may provide a tactile indication of the available communication services, such as via the vibrator. In this latter variation, the vibrator may become activated when the communication device <b>200</b> roams into a geographic region that offers a communication mode that was unavailable to the communication device <b>200</b> in a prior geographic region. Alternately (or additionally), the vibrator may become activated when the communication device <b>200</b> roams into a geographic region that does not offer a communication mode that was available to the communication device <b>200</b> in a prior geographic region.

Other user-indications are contemplated by the invention, such as audio indications via the speaker <b>234</b>. Further, the user indications may comprise combinations of two or more of the foregoing notification modes.

<figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 6</figref> depicts, in detail, the sequence of steps performed by the handheld communications device <b>200</b> when indicating the communication modes over which the communication services are available to the communication device <b>200</b>. Initially, the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> pre-registers to have access to one or more wireless communications modes, if required. For instance, typically a user must pre-register (i.e. subscribe to a wireless coverage plan) to have access to the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. Alternately, however, typically a user need not pre-register to have access to the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

Initially, the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> also pre-registers to have access to one or more services on the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. In the example shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 1</figref>, the communication services comprise the e-mail service <b>800</b> and the web server <b>900</b>. However, as discussed above, the communication services may also include other services, such as a telephony service, a text messaging service, a virtual private network (VPN) service, and/or a global positioning system (GPS)-mapping service.

One or more of these communication services may be pay-for-use services. For instance, the local wireless node <b>600</b> might be implemented at a café, in which case the services of the local wireless node <b>600</b> might only be available to customers of the café. The e-mail service <b>800</b>, the telephony service, and the text messaging service may be available only by subscription. Accordingly, at step S<b>200</b>, the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> pre-registers with the provider of the pay-for-use service(s) prior to gaining access to the service.

The service provider of the pay-for-use service maintain records for each registered user of the pay-for-use communication service. As discussed above, typically the e-mail service <b>800</b> maintains these records in the authorization database <b>804</b>.

Other communication services may be restricted, for security reasons, to certain pre-authorized users. For instance, the web server <b>900</b> may comprise a business intranet, which is available only to authorized employees. A business VPN service would also typically be available only to authorized employees. Accordingly, at step S<b>200</b>, the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> also pre-registers with the provider of the restricted service(s) prior to gaining access to the service. As above, the service provider maintain records for each registered user of the restricted communication service.

Conversely, other communication services may be unrestricted. For instance, the local wireless node <b>600</b>, the web service <b>900</b> and the GPS-mapping service may be publicly available. The user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> would not have to register with the provider of the unrestricted services, at step S<b>200</b>, to gain access to the service.

After the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> pre-registers with the wireless communication mode and communication service providers (as may be required), the communications device <b>200</b> determines the communication modes that are available in the geographical region in which the communications device <b>200</b> is currently located. To do so, at step S<b>202</b> the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> detects the presence of carrier signals at the primary internal antenna <b>216</b> and the secondary internal antenna <b>218</b>, and then initiates any required handshaking to establish communication protocol parameters.

Further, if required by the detected communication mode (e.g. the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>), the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> initiates registration with the detected communication mode by transmitting subscriber information to the communication mode provider. If the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is authorized to use the detected communication mode, the communication mode provider responds to the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> with a confirmatory notice.

The communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> then notifies the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> of the confirmed communication modes.

For instance, if the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> is a GSM network, and the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has recently powered up, the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> registers with GSM network by transmitting the IMSI of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> to the GSM network provider. If the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is authorized to use the detected communication mode, the network provider responds to the IMSI with a Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity (TMSI).

Once the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has registered with the detected communication modes (if required), at step S<b>204</b> the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> establishes communication with the communication service providers that provide the communication services for which the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is configured with communication software. The service authorization procedure <b>304</b> then requests information concerning the availability of the associated communication services at the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

For instance, if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is configured with telephony communication software, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> requests information from the provider of the telephony services indicating whether the user of the communications device <b>200</b> is authorized to have telephony services at the communications device <b>200</b>. If the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is configured with e-mail communication software, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> requests information from the provider of the e-mail service <b>800</b> indicating whether the user of the communications device <b>200</b> is authorized to receive e-mail services at the communications device <b>200</b>.

Typically, the service information request includes an indication of the communication service for which the availability is requested. Preferably, the service information request for pay-for-use and restricted services also includes subscriber identification information (e.g. the PIN) that is associated with the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

The communication pathway with the communication service providers varies with the confirmed communication modes, as received from the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b>. For instance, if the only wireless communication mode that is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> establishes communication with the service providers via the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. In this case, at step S<b>204</b> preferably the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> issues the service information requests over a non-traffic channel of the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>.

If the only wireless communication mode that is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is the local area wireless network <b>221</b>, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> establishes communication with the service providers via the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. In this case, at step S<b>204</b> preferably the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> issues the service information requests over a non-traffic channel of the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

Further, if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is able to communicate over both the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> and the local area wireless network <b>221</b>, to reduce communication costs preferably the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> establishes communication with the service providers via the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. In this case, at step S<b>204</b> preferably the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> issues the service information requests over a non-traffic channel of the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

Upon receipt of the service information requests, at step S<b>206</b> the service provider(s) determines the communication service(s) that are available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. To do so, the service provider verifies that the service is online. Further, in the case of a pay-per-use service and a restricted service, the service provider queries its records of registered users with the received subscriber identification information to determine if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> that issued the service information request is authorized to receive the specified service(s).

At step S<b>208</b>, the service provider responds to the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> with a service response message indicating whether the specified service is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. Preferably, the service provider issues the service response message via a non-traffic channel of the wireless communication mode over which the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> issued the service information request. With this approach, the service response message implicitly indicates the wireless communication mode (if any) over which the specified service is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

The service authorization procedure <b>304</b> notifies the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> of the confirmed communication service(s), together with the associated confirmed communication modes. At step S<b>210</b>, the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> provides a user-indication of the communication service availabilities based on the service response messages that are received by the service authorization procedure <b>304</b>. Preferably, the user-indication of communication service availability explicitly indicates the wireless communication mode over which the specified service is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

For instance, if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> issued the service information request over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>, at step S<b>208</b> the service provider issues the service response message over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. If the specified service(s) was online and available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>, the service response message would indicate that the service that was specified in the service information request was available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. Therefore, the user-indication of communication service availability would explicitly indicate that the specified service was available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> via the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>.

If the handheld communications device <b>200</b> issued the service information requests over the local area wireless network <b>221</b>, at step S<b>208</b> the service provider issues the service response message over the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. If the specified service(s) was online and available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>, the service response message would indicate that the service that was specified in the service information request was available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. Therefore, the user-indication of communication service availability would explicitly indicate that the specified service was available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> via the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

Conversely, if the specified service(s) was either not online or not available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>, the service response message would indicate that the service that was specified in the service information request was not available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. Therefore, the user-indication of communication service availability would explicitly indicate that the specified service was not available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> via either the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> or the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

The communications device <b>200</b> continuously determines the communication modes that are available in the geographical region in which the communications device <b>200</b> is currently located, and periodically notifies the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> of any changes in the confirmed communication modes. Therefore, if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> moves from a region serviced by one communication mode to another communication mode, the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> would dynamically update the user-indication of the communication services, at step S<b>210</b>.

For instance, if the handheld communications device <b>200</b> moved from a region that was serviced by the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> to a region that was serviced by the local area wireless network <b>221</b>, the communication mode selection procedure <b>302</b> would detect the change in carrier signals, register with the local area wireless network <b>221</b> (if required), and then notify the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> of the change in wireless communication mode at step S<b>202</b>. At step S<b>204</b>, the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> requests information concerning the availability of the communication services via the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. The communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> updates the user-indication of communication service availability, based on the new service response message received by the service authorization procedure <b>304</b> at step S<b>208</b>.

Preferably, the communication mode indication procedure <b>306</b> generates the user-indication of communication service availability as one or more graphical information screens on the LCD display <b>222</b>. The graphical information screen, shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>, comprises a service mode menu <b>950</b> that lists the communication modes for which the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has communication software. For instance, the service mode menu <b>950</b> includes an “EDGE” menu entry <b>952</b>, a “Starbuck's” menu entry <b>954</b>, and a “Jabra Headset” menu entry <b>956</b> which respectively indicate that the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has communication software for EDGE network communication, WiFi network communication, and Bluetooth communication. Further, the menu also includes an icon next to each of the foregoing menu entries which indicates whether each communication mode is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

In the menu shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>, the icon comprise a green circle which indicates that the associated communication mode is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. A complementary colour, such as red, would indicate that the associated communication mode is not available. However, the invention is not limited to coloured icons. For instance, to accommodate colour blind users, complementary text icons, such as “ON” and “OFF” icons, may be used to indicate that the associated communication mode availability. Further, text icons may be combined with coloured icons to enhance the notification function of the service mode availability.

The graphical information screen, shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b</i>, which is accessible from the service mode menu of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>a</i>, provides more detailed information concerning the communication services and modes. As shown, the graphical information screen of <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b </i>comprises a service status table <b>1000</b> that lists the communication services for which the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has communication software. For instance, the service status table <b>1000</b> includes a “Voice Calling” heading <b>1002</b>, a “Blackberry Internet Service” heading <b>1004</b>, and a “Blackberry Enterprise Service” heading <b>1006</b> which respectively indicate that the handheld communications device <b>200</b> has communication software for voice telephony services, public e-mail/internet services, and corporate e-mail/internet services which are only available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> through the corporation's firewall.

The service status table <b>1000</b> also specifies the wireless communication mode(s) (if any) over which each communication service is available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. As shown, the service status table includes a “Mobile Network” icon, a “WiFi” icon, and a “not connected” icon, each associated with the voice telephony services, public e-mail/internet services, and private e-mail/internet services. The “Mobile Network” icon, when active, indicates that the associated service is currently available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> via the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. The WiFi” icon, when active, indicates that the associated service is currently available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> either via the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

The “not connected” icon, when active, indicates that the associated service is currently unavailable to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>. The “not connected” icon may be active when the user of the handheld communications device <b>200</b> is not authorized to receive the associated service, or there aren't any wireless communication modes currently available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>.

Preferably, the service status table <b>1000</b> also provides configuration information for the available wireless communication modes. For instance, as shown in <figref idrefs="DRAWINGS">FIG. 7</figref><i>b</i>, the service status table <b>1000</b> includes a long-range network section that provides configuration information for the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. As shown, the long-range network section includes a “Mobile Network” heading <b>1008</b> which has an associated “EDGE” icon, and “not connected” icon. The “EDGE” icon, when active, indicates that data communication services are available over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> using the EDGE communication protocol. The “not connected” icon, when active, indicates that data communication services are not available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> over the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>.

The long-range network section also includes a “Mobile Network Provider” heading <b>1010</b> which has an associated “Service Provider|Network Provider” subfield, and “not connected” icon. The “Service Provider|Network Provider” subfield indicates the name of the provider of the confirmed data communication service, and the name of the provider of the confirmed wireless cellular network <b>219</b>. The “not connected” icon, when active, indicates that either that the wireless cellular network <b>219</b> is not available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b>, or that no data communication services are available to the handheld communications device <b>200</b> via the wireless cellular network <b>219</b>.

The service status table <b>1000</b> also includes a short-range network section that provides configuration information for the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. As shown, the short-range network section includes a “Type” field <b>1012</b>, a “SSID” field <b>1014</b>, and an “Active Profile” field <b>1016</b>, each associated with the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. The “Type” field <b>1012</b> indicates the wireless communication protocol (if any) implemented by the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. The “SSID” field <b>1014</b> indicates the name of the provider of the local area wireless network <b>221</b>. The “Active Profile” field <b>1016</b> indicates the profile name defined by the provider of the local area wireless network <b>221</b>.

The scope of the monopoly desired for the invention is defined by the claims appended hereto, with the foregoing description being merely illustrative of the preferred embodiment of the invention. Persons of ordinary skill may envisage modifications to the described embodiment which, although not explicitly suggested herein, do not depart from the scope of the invention, as defined by the appended claims.